GEORGE NEWS - Dr Rory Dower has retired at the age of 79 after a fruitful career spanning 53 years in George. At a farewell function on Friday 17 January, colleagues and friends celebrated his legacy together with him and his wife, Renée.
Dr Dower in 1965 took the opportunity of joining the practice of Dr Piet Steyn in George, resigning from a post as medical officer at Uitenhage Provincial Hospital. The Dowers viewed their move as a stepping stone closer to Cape Town, but they ended up happily settling as permanent Georgians.
An emotional Dr Dower thanked his patients and colleagues and said that George has been an incredible town to live and work in. "I have formed friendships that will last into eternity."
Speaking on behalf of the general practitioners' group, Dr Dawie Augustyn said the GPs in George learned a lot from Dr Dower. "He was the leader of the GP group for many years and had an open heart towards everyone. Thank you for your guidance. We wish you all the best."
Physiotherapist Cecile Steyn praised Renée for the way in which she fulfilled her role as doctor's wife. "In those days she had to support her husband, but also had to play the role that today's receptionists have in handling patients. We honour her for that and for the loving way in which she did that. She truly made a difference in the community."
Background
A few years after Dr Dower joined the Steyn practice, they established the beginnings of the Geneva Clinic with a four-bed ward, an operating theatre and small reception area. It was located on the corner of Victoria and York streets. Capacity on this site was later increased to 10 beds, but eventually they developed a new building on the corner of Herrie Street and Varing Avenue to serve as a 20-bed day hospital with two theatres. It was later sold to Mediclinic.
In 2005, when Dr Dower was supposed to retire, he started a practice in partnership with Dr Christine Dykman. Dr Piet du Toit has now taken over his part of the practice.
Community involvement
As a former member of Round Table, Dr Dower was involved in the establishment of the George Service Clubs Utility Company (GSCUC) that developed the RLR and Murray House retirement facilities. He served on the board from 1968 and became chairman in 1980.
He was the medical officer for the Harry Comay TB Hospital for 35 years and also served at the sickbay of the SA National Defence Force for many years up until retirement.
Having a chat at Dr Dower's farewell are, from left: Dr André Lochner, Dr Ryan Soldin, Wendy Lochner, Dr Tienie van Niekerk and Dr Marie Neethling.
Dr Dower with his colleagues. Seated next to him are Drs Christine Dykman and Piet du Toit and at the back are, from left: Capt Amelda Reitz of the SANDF George sickbay, Amanda Hopley, Madeleine Buys, Stevie (Charlotte) Barnard, Capt Lizelle Greeff (George sickbay) and Anna Stewart.
Dr Rory Dower receives hugs and kisses from Capt Lizelle Greeff (left) and Capt Amelda Reitz of the SANDF sickbay. He has served at the sickbay for many years. Photo supplied
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
